Assessment of Haematological Parameters and Iron Profile of Commercial Cyclists in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Iron deficiency is one of the common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. The nature of work and lifestyle of commercial cyclists predisposes them to various conditions that can lead to anaemia, which in turn affect haematopoiesis and cause morbidity and mortality. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine and compare haematological parameters and iron profile of commercial cyclists and apparently healthy individuals in Ekiti State, Nigeria and to further investigate degree of correlation. between serum iron (SI) levels, ferritin, and total iron binding capacity to the haematological parameters of Ekiti state commercial cyclists and
apparently healthy individuals. Sequestrated blood samples (5ml) were obtained after administration of a structured questionnaire. The results obtained were analysed using SPSS version 21. Independent t-test and ANOVA were used to compare the means of the group studied. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine relationship between the variables. Decreased values were observed in the haematological parameters, serum iron, and ferritin of commercial cyclists when compared to controls. Commercial cyclists showed a significantly lower (p>0.05) in PCV (p=0.0423), HGB (p=0.0319), MCHC (p=0.0445), PLT(x10 6 /L) (p=0.001), MPV (p=0.0469), SI (p=0.0342), and ferritin (p=-0.0026). Ferritin showed a weak positive correlation with PCV (r=0.35), HGB(r=0.35), MCV(r=0.03), MCH (r=0.21), MCHC (0.10), RBC (r=0.18). The pattern of results differed slightly in other parameters like WBC (r= 0.08), PLT (r=-0.15), PCT (-0.17), MPV (r=0.09), PDW-SD (r=-0.02) and PDW-CV (r=-0.11). There is a correlational relationship between ferritin and haematological parameters in Ekiti state commercial cyclists and this may affect their performance including vision and cognitive balance which can result in increased risk of road accidents.